Julia was born and raised in Japan where her passion for hospitality took root from a seed planted by her mother. She has headed the programs at multiple award-winning Chicago establishments like The Aviary, The Office, and GreenRiver before landing as a creative partner and beverage director for two Michelin starred Oriole and her newest project, Bar Kumiko, one of Food and Wine‘s 2019 Best New Restaurants and Time Magazine‘s World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2019.
Forbes Coverage of BevTest’s 2026 Best Irish Single Pot Still Whiskies
July 15, 2026
by Jerald O'Kennard
by Jerald O'Kennard
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